After a long wait, it’s finally time for England to step up in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. While Croatia may not be considered the Three Lions’ rivals in the Argentine or German sense, there is an undeniable saga growing across the generations, as this will be the 10th competitive encounter of the current century.The sting of England’s semi-final defeat to the Croats in the 2018 World Cup won’t soon be forgotten but, with that being the Three Lions’ only loss across the last six clashes, recent head-to-head history is still on their side.As we approach the 20th anniversary of his incredible strike against Sweden in Cologne, former England star Joe Cole has dived into the markets to deliver an eye-opening England v Croatia Bet Builder. Joe’s punts also include player picks covered by Paddy’s Super Sub offer, meaning if a player is hooked off, the bet carries over to his replacement.England v Croatia Bet Builder tipsEngland to winHarry Kane to scoreJude Bellingham to have 2+ ShotsElliot Anderson to be cardedA Bet Builder with these selections pays approximately 19/1 with Paddy Power. CLICK OR TAP HERE TO ADD IT TO YOUR BETSLIP.*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change.WHEN: Wednesday, June 17th, 9pmWHERE: AT&T Stadium, Arlington, TXTV: ITV 1/ITV XThis is a good time to play Croatia. They’ve got a 40-year-old Luka Modric playing in midfield. They lost 2-1 to Belgium in preparation and they’re ranked 11th in the FIFA world rankings but I think they’re on the slide.What this generation of players has done has been incredible, they got to a World Cup final, but I really fancy England to win and get off to a good start. You have to look at Harry Kane to score, he’s had an amazing season and says he’s in the best shape ever.I also like Jude Bellingham to have 2+ shots in this game if he starts and, to bump the price up a bit, Elliot Anderson to be carded. I’m a big fan of his but he does like to put his foot in. His job might be to stop Modric but I just fancy England to get off to a good start.England v Croatia tipsEngland to winHarry Kane to scoreJude Bellingham to have 2+ ShotsElliot Anderson to be cardedA Bet Builder with these selections pays approximately 19/1 with Paddy Power. CLICK OR TAP HERE TO ADD IT TO YOUR BETSLIP.*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change.READ MOREShoot on over to Paddy Power News for the best Football Betting Tips & NewsHit the bar… no problem! Paddy’s including efforts against the woodwork as shots on target‘Nobody Does Football Better Than Us’: Watch Paddy Power’s World Cup AdWorld Cup 2026 schedule in full, groups and tournament datesGet more from Paddy Power News on the World CupTap here for PP.com’s latest football odds
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